Prison Chaplaincy
Alpha for Prisons is run by both single denomination and ecumenical Chaplaincy teams. Chaplaincies have found it positive to run Alpha as an ecumenical course with separate follow-up for the different denominations. A range of different follow-up materials and courses are available for this purpose.
The prison Chaplain, with the Governor’s authority, gives permission for volunteers to run Alpha.

Local church
Churches can provide speakers, leaders and helpers for the Alpha course in their local prison. It is essential that those running the course work closely within the regulations of the prison, so that they do not jeopardise the relationship with the prison authorities or put anyone at risk.

Officers
A number of prison officers have run Alpha courses for prisoners and for fellow colleagues in their prison.

Christian organisations
Various Christian organisations, such as the Salvation Army and Prison Fellowship, help run Alpha courses in prisons as part of their outreach.

Inmates on wings
Prisoners are often the best at reaching fellow prisoners and inviting them on a course. Some chaplaincies encourage groups of prisoners to run Alpha for those on their wing interested in finding out about the Christian faith.

Caring for Ex-Offenders (CFEO)

The vision of Caring for Ex-offenders is to help reduce the re-offending rate through working with local churches and external organisations to reintegrate ex-offenders into their community. Whether or not an ex-offender is a Christian or they have completed an Alpha course, our aim is to link ex-offenders with a supportive, welcoming church and to equip churches in working with ex-offenders.

For information on becoming a CFEO church, training opportunities or guidance on supporting ex-offenders please contact us on 0207 052 0352 or info@caringforexoffenders.org